Stan Lee

The news dropped a few days ago that Stan Lee was recovering from a heart procedure. The good news is no 'new' news. Like many comic book readers and collectors, I grew up reading Stan's stories pretty much since his first writing. For me, back in the 1960s, it wasn't important who was making those Marvel comics so intoxicating and attractive. And by intoxicating, I mean that many a young boy got a certain kind of brain chemistry 'high' from the smell of the printed newsprint, the stories,  colors and art.

I have previously interviewed Stan several times dating back to the 1990s. I have met him in person and followed along during my life, reading his many rants and soapbox columns. He has always supported my effort to recharge the hobby with younger minds and fresh ideas. 'Course, if you're Stan Lee that is what you do, right?

Growing up and going through the school years wasn't difficult for me. I had Stan's support back then too. When I was feeling a little down, I'd always turn back to reading many of the stories and drinking in the terrific creativity that Stan guided back then at Marvel. Today my thoughts are on the man that hopefully shall soon be back in rare form with another birthday behind him and another drop of genius to captivate this near 60 year old fan.

Thank you Stan!    

Words

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt

It is surprising to me that in the world of today, so few people realize the meaning of the words above.

Recently a blogger made comments here and on the All Aces Entertainment blog. The blogger involved is one of a few that exist merely to harass and libel me online. No, it isn't our policy here to take the 'bait' and respond to idiocy or fits from people affected by a full moon. So if you're reading this for that kind of 'high' to make yourself feel bigger and self important ... you'll certainly starve to death here.

Nothing in life is easy. Talk is cheap. I'd be remiss if I didn't share with you that I've known people that can't get through their daily activities without demeaning someone in some fashion. They'd willingly say anything that popped into their mind and eventually troublemakers find trouble. I've never stated anywhere to anyone that I am perfect. Truthfully, I am not. Nope, I'm not perfect, sorry.
I've been hopeful, enthusiastic, honest and outgoing in trying to deal with a number of people that claim to be 'professionals' in the comic book entertainment industry. If I made mistakes early on in my attempts at self publishing, then certainly, I can now share with you that I allowed too much control and trust to other people that I felt could be trusted to handle their responsibilities. When they didn't they were released from their responsibilities. Again, I'm not perfect. Many people make that same mistake everyday. I cheated no one. My work-for-hire contracts were legally sound, as were the confidentiality agreements attached to each one. They've stood the test of time.

Another matter that has stood the test of time is the lie that circulated regarding my having gotten a cease & desist letter or form of communication from Lucasfilm regarding the Matt Busch 'gifted' (to me) Limited Edition Maps. These were maps given to me to use on behalf of raising money to donate to a (then) undecided Veteran's charity.  I won't go into the Busch side of this all, but again to date -- I have received no such letter or contact from Lucasfilm. Rest assured, if I had...   I would've handed the matter over to my attorney to handle. So how do people get away with making such bold and untrue accusations?

Simple.

They don't.

 

I Have Spider-Man's Head In My Refrigerator!

   Yeah, okay, it may be an odd way to title a blog post on Sequential Soul. I'll give you that, but after my June birthday cake surprise (previous post) it just seemed the way to go. 

   Unlike a lot of other people I am not going to opine on what took place recently in Aurora, Colorado during the midnight theater showing of the Batman film. Other than to say that it was a sad event and I'm looking forward to following justice against the alleged killer. Yeah, bite my own tongue in adding in the 'alleged' word.

   This is another of my random blather about what I've been up to and news on this, that, and the other. For sure some of it will titillate a portion of my readers. Still others will grind their teeth and mutter under their breath. I don't share any of this for any exact purpose except to use this blog to send covert black ops messages to my various secret agents within the comic book entertainment industry. So allow me to get right down to it. Thank you.

Magnus Grimoire (1754-1763) © Rick Olney 2012 All Rights Reserved

   All Aces Entertainment: Despite it being summer, I have managed to amass a group of highly skilled artists for some work-for-hire pin-up assignments. All the rough art has been submitted, approved, and here very shortly money shall pass hands and some very promising art shall take place. These pin-ups are for my book revolving around my Magnus Grimoire character. The book has a title, but I'm not releasing that just yet.

   I've previously shared the art and inks of Joe Rubinstein on the character art of the 1754-1763 rendition of Grimoire. I can now share that Colorist Matt Webb has completed the pretty spectacular colors on that piece.

   I can also share at this time that I have two very capable work-for-hire artists of some note set to work on both the Freedom 3 monthly title and a three Origin issue series that will lead readers into discovering Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, as this team work to stay within the Uniform Code of Military Justice while having powers and abilities unlike any previously known fictional comic book characters. All three books will be supported by the traditional ways.  For the curious, all my talent is paid-in-full before undertaking any work-for-hire assignments. I have a studio ready to handle a number of post production functions and I won't be making the mistakes of the past in necessarily trusting the decision making of anyone without first running those decisions (to be ultimately made by me) by a three person advisory 'board' assisting me making my books worth the cost of my time, their time, and the time and effort of the creative staff.

   The All Aces Entertainment website is progressing and along with featuring a number of events that it shall showcase within the Adirondack Park region. Some may recall that we had early on plans to create a new comics event called the Adirondack ComicFest nearly a year ago, and after having secured partners underwriting the effort, all I had to do was secure arrangements and guests. A number of guests were contacted, and actual appearance contracts were signed and agreed upon between those individuals and the (then group) and as we placed the last few needed steps into concrete -- a number of unknown, but suspected individuals, went to work contacting our publicly announced groups spreading lies and smearing my connection to the planned event. Well, needless to say, the next thing that happened was that guests backed out using reasons that were less than truthful and succumbed  to the pressures placed upon them. After losing a number of guests in that respect, rather than fighting an uphill fight to have our opportunity. The Adirondathon partnership group sought legal counsel and decided to approach the matter as the people they were; people who couldn't understand the childish antics of immature miscreants and clearly UN-professional comics guests.

   So did the Adirondack ComicFest die? No, it did not.  It merely went on the back burner and will be making its premiere in 2013. With the forces of All Aces Entertainment mustering behind it, and a capable attorney engaged and on retainer, AAE shall be legally assuring that any/all such nonsense existing now or to be tried by the same old few usual suspects will be dealt with. I pride myself on having had a small hand in helping the New York State Legislature tighten and toughen the online bullying laws. It shall be interesting to see them finally applied to my specific situation.

   But enough of the dip into negative attempts to diminish greatness. Let's now talk about another project taken on by All Aces Entertainment.

Organized Readers of Comics Association: 

   Many people have drifted away from the hobby of buying, reading, and collecting comic books. Sure, some people wait. They figure it is less costly to hope for a compiled publishing of the particular storyline they missed. Sometimes they get lucky. Often they do not. The bevy of major superhero films have helped inspire new participation and certainly, some retail stores have seen an increase spike each time a film based upon a prolific beloved fictional character release. Until this recent tragedy, I fear.

   Back in the late 1980s into the late 1990s -- many people in comics creating and publishing became aware of a small group of individuals, with a penchant to try and use the comic book for educational purposes in both Elementary and Secondary schools. Originally identified as ORCA after membership expanded beyond New York State and local schools and libraries -- Organized Readers of Comics Associated, born from the founding of the West Utica Comic Book Club, reached a membership roster level of over 1800 active comic book readers within its ranks. The hobby of comic book reading and collecting is constantly being revised and tweaked by those that think they can make it more attractive and financially sound for themselves and their employees.

   The people in ORCA's years of leadership  never cared to do anything along those lines. They existed as a fun group conducting their activities under legal advise and fully complying with the goal of becoming a (501) c3 not-for-profit. Lots of negative hearsay amounting to lies and false rumors have been said of me during a period of time in my life when I was under great pressure and duress. Those matters are all behind me now and I am very appreciative of my remaining personal friends in comics today. To those amongst them that helped me find my way and to the present ORCA roster, my undying love and gratitude.

   Today, ORCA's ranks are growing! As a part of the business of comics that All Aces Entertainment is now conducting, what used to be provided to roster members shall improve and continue its mission into schools, libraries, and retail comics outlets! Today, now known more primarily as Organized Readers of Comics  Association -- roster members are anxious to spend their time on Facebook and on the new community message boards at All Aces Entertainment once the doors are thrown open! Anyone interested in taking on Moderator duties is encouraged to email their interest to: admin@allacesentertainment.com     We have a need for three people to start who are sincere and interested in our employee benefits.

   ORCA boasts about its internal amateur press association, ORCOMX-APA; with a limited edition membership card, subscription to Fresh, its comics sized monthly newsletter; a snazzy cool t-shirt guaranteed to turn heads, and a few more perks to be announced in the near future. Of course, while maintaining its mission statement of:

    We exist to promote the reading, care, and collecting of comic books, to make friends and help others discover "America's favorite pastime...comic books."     

          
ORCA shall vigorously pursue a return to its good name tarnished recently by others. In fact, on Facebook today there exists a rogue group calling themselves Organized Readers of Comics Associated. Not to be confused with the real ORCA linked above. The bogus group is headed up by an individual known to me who shall soon have his day in court. Again, I have stated many times over these last seven years that 2012 was the year things would change and they shall. ORCA has an EIN that it has maintained since 1996 in New York State; can prove where and how it began, and it doesn't and never shall need to be a doppelganger group from pirated original intellectual property.

   In closing, comic book stores come and go...  but organized readers of comics march onward and upwards! 
 

Birthday 2012

   Yes, I have been that busy that I have not had time to bother blogging. But I certainly can't pass up showing off my birthday cake this year!

   Have you all had a chance to see Amazing Spider-Man yet? If so, feel free to post your comments and reviews of it. I'm saving mine until after the SDCC coverage ongoing. Plenty to see and read!

The Rock

  
  As a little fellow at age ten and younger, I'd get to go up north to camp. This was actually the Adirondack foothills. The place my family homesteaded back in the 1700s, back  where my grandfather grew up and raised his family.  Usually on Saturday morning, my grandma and I would walk up to the four corners. The walk up the road was a little over 1/3rd of a mile. Grandma wanted to see her friend (the local post master) store owner, Ruth Rubyor. I would usually get a stick of licorice from Mrs. Rubyor. So while they talked I'd look around the store. Oh, I never left my grandma's side. I'd look with my eyes and not wander around. Besides it was a small store. Grandma almost always bought a package of cookies, a cake mix, or tapioca pudding to fix for dessert after supper.

   Mr Rubyor (Henry) was always about too. He was a handyman type and when his wife was out of the store or feeling poorly he'd fill in for her. These two people were always kind to me. Two nicer people you'd ever not want meet, I tell you. The walk there was always a treat for another reason... the big rock (pictured here). I took these photos two weeks back on Saturday while my work crew was in the woods, yes, I took a walk to the four corners.

   It brought back memories. It was about 1968, when I actually peddled my bike up along the grass knoll that ran along the roadside (at top speed) to impress my friends. They thought I was crazy. I was. I umped those peddles and went climbing up that rock at just the right angle. Only instead of jumping off it at age ten and younger, this time I sailed off it into the air on my bike. I only did it once. Once was enough. I survived. The bike did not. The front wheel was bent and it took me several weeks WITHOUT a bike before I'd saved up enough money to buy a new wheel rim. The crazy things that kids do, right? 

                                                        

   As I walked up to that rock after walking to the four corners and turning around -- I could remember grandma letting go of my hand, as if she knew I'd need a running start to scale that huge boulder! 'Course today, it is all dry moss covered. Kids don't climb the rock today it seems. It also isn't as 'huge' as it was back then. My memories are though...

August Orders!

Detective Comics #12

  So I'm sitting here filling out my order form for new comics and stuff and I see that Tony Daniels has a simply kickin' cover on DETECTIVE COMICS #12, so I'm going to order it along with the number 12 issue run of DC's 52 series. Well, that is, all except Batgirl. And what is going on with DIAL H #4?  So those titles along with the first new run of Annuals is on the buy list!

  Marvel has a few items worth thinking about this time around. I see AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #691 and #692. ASM #692 actually is a special over-sized issue that has original stories by Dean Haspiel, Joshua Hale Fialkov, and Nuno Plati within it. What self respectin' Spidey reader would pass that up! That along with AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #10 and #11 will be a nice treat. I'm not buying much Bendis these days, if any. My doctor told me to cut back simply because it was too fattening.

   A diamond in the rough for Marvel this time is sure to be FIRST X-MEN #1 by Neal Adams and Christos Gage. Looks sweet! I'm buying a few copies of DAREDEVIL Annual #1, but won't touch the regular title with a walking stick. In my opinion, Waid has milked this industry and readers enough. Color me unimpressed with his pious nature. FANTASTIC FOUR never gets old!    Non comics stuff from Marvel found me wanting that MARVEL CLASSIC CHARACTER SERIES 2 #2: CAPTAIN AMERICA. Nothing is cooler than Cap in a can!  The MARVEL SELECT ACTION FIGURE: RHINO is a must have also!

Mimic guarding the X-Rated Fusion Liqueur

 

 

 

 

   I've always bought books and 'stuff' from new publishers. So DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT and IDW get my attention. I like how THUN'DA #1 looks from Dynamite, LORD OF THE JUNGLE #9 too! As I also have Dracula emerging in one of my own books out early next year, I think I'll give the VAMPIRELLA Vs. DRACULA SC a place on my bookshelf after I've had a chance to read it.  DARK HORSE has a couple surprises, in my opinion. I'm plunkin' down the coin for a couple of their books along with this short list of items from the following indy publishers:

• AAM MARKOSIA -- Toybox Tourmoil GN
• AMYRL ENTERTAINMENT -- Cavewoman : gangbuster #1 (of 3) 
• ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS: New Crusaders: Rise of the Heroes #1
• ARDDEN ENTERTAINMENT -- Phoenix #6
• ASPEN MLT INC. -- Homecoming #1
• BIG DOG INK -- Penny For Your Soul: Joan of Arc (One-Shot)
• FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS -- Weird Horrors and Daring Adventures of Joe Kubert: Archive Vol. 1  HC
•  STAN LEES KIDS UNIVERSE -- Once Upon A Time SC

 My magazines and books part of my order will include: 

• Alter Ego #112 
• Famous Monsters of Filmland #263
• Ape Man: Unofficial & Unauthorized Guide to 100 Years of Tarzan SC
• Tarzan: A Century of Lord Greystoke Official Centennial Edition
• Tarzan 100th Anniversary Card Box 
• Dracula Vs. Frankenstein DVD
• Steve Niles' REMAINS DVD

  That makes for the month of August for me personally. Now on to buying for Organized Readers of Comics Association!  

 

Past Weekend Chatter

I had an interesting past weekend.  We now have the first Sequential Soul podcast in the can!

I put a podcast team together a month back and Saturday afternoon was our first podcast. Yes, as you can imagine it, after experiencing two pod-casts under the previous big top tent  -- it was pretty clear that my imagination and desire to explore the fringes of popular culture would have me giving it a another try. 

This first podcast is in the can going through the editing process at present. As a bit of my time is now spent up north in the Adirondacks and in the foothill region it seemed natural to explore creativity in other areas. So this first episode had to do with chainsaw wood carving. I'll publicize the link here when its ready.

I was 'challenged' a while back (elsewhere) to go to Ravenswood, Inc., in New Hartford, New York to spend $1,000.00 dollars shopping there. Another podcast host seemed to think that Ravenswood would turn me away at their door. I said it was nonsense, but afterwords in hindsight came to the realization that I doubt that Ravenswood could support a one thousand dollar buying spree. So after I said I'd have no problem walking into the place...I'm taking my money and business elsewhere.  In fact, that is the basis for Sequential Soul: Episode Two, and you'll be able to see it for yourself!  The pod-cast team will be traveling elsewhere in New York State and doing a program with an interview that will also include  me basically shopping, while providing commentary on comics, toys and the like. Ravenswood doesn't need me giving them any further notoriety. I've supported them on and off since their founder (and my friend) John J. Julian began that business. 

You've heard of a swear jar, right?

Well, thanks to my roster friends at Organized Readers of Comics Association(ORCA) after today if I mention the "R word" from here on out I'll have to put $5.00 dollars in a "R Jar" that will go for funding ORCA's yearly Christmas Holiday Party. By the way, more news on that in the weeks to come. Once we get the message board forum open All Aces Entertainment things will fall into place rather quickly. So this matter of where I spend that $1000.00 dollars also reflects back to the past.  In the 1990s, ORCA would write to the comic book entertainment industry to ask for gifts of items to use for our contest prizes. We no longer need to do that. Our retail base is growing and we again have a number of  public libraries interested in what we're doing.  Also, in September we'll be sending Fresh and comic books into schools again. So membership will increrase and I suspect that our printed version of Fresh will bring us many new members. The rest of the summer buying trips to stores and conventions, along with purchasing from online resources, will refresh ORCA's  vault of mystery prizes.